New Series Launch (2)
Seo Joo-hwan muttered in a daze. "Me, getting a webtoon adaptation...?"
Webtoon adaptation. Even after confirming it several times with Choi Mi-hwa, the words still didn't feel real.
'Actually, looking at the sales figures, it's not that strange.'
He had dominated the monthly sales charts on Geuljoa, Korea's largest novel platform, not once but three times—and by overwhelming margins. Sure, his insane serialization speed played a huge role in those landslide victories, but even averaging per chapter, he was solidly in the top 5. Post-completion sales were still climbing, too. So a webtoon offer wasn't out of left field.
It just hit differently now, dredging up memories of scraping by on one chapter a day.
"I've really gotten good at this writing thing."
A proud smile tugged at Seo Joo-hwan's lips. The recently completed The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy held special meaning for him. It was the work that performed best while he slaved away in his tiny room. The one that made him think he might finally shine as an author. But then he died right after monetization began, turning it into his posthumous piece.
For all those reasons, The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy was a novel laced with regrets.
'It's 2016 now... Webtoons are just starting to take off for real.'
Web novel adaptations had happened sporadically before, but in his memory, they really gained momentum around 2015. That year, the blockbuster from the rental shop era, Moonlight Sculptor, got its webtoon on Yellow Page. Others followed suit, one by one. In the end, web novel webtoons became a massive hit.
Jealous of Yellow Page's success, perhaps? A step behind, Korea's top webtoon platform, Naver Webtoon, started eyeing web novels too. They expanded their own novel platform, linking it up to produce webtoon adaptations of web novel originals.
'Who could've guessed our niche otaku market would grow this big.'
Seo Joo-hwan had lived in the future nine years from now before regressing. So he knew for sure. This underground market would explode in growth within a few years. Web novels' OSMU (one source multi-use) value would only skyrocket over time.
Of course, not everything succeeded. Countless secondary creations bombed, drawing hate from the masses—especially the game adaptations. But by around 2023, they'd even start making anime from web novels, just like neighboring Japan.
'Maybe I'll get there someday too?'
This was still an era with few webtoon adaptations. Doing one now would put him at the forefront.
'Gotta write hard.'
Seo Joo-hwan had the Lust System to expand his talents' limits. All he needed was LP, effort, and a dash of luck.
"Gotta crank out that new series quick. And wrap up this quest."
He stretched his stiff body and settled back at the computer.
You've successfully wrapped up the series you couldn't finish before regression, with stellar results.
But your thirst for writing hasn't been quenched—you're itching to dive into the next one ASAP.
Write whatever story calls to you. Just get approval from your editor, Choi Mi-hwa.
Clear Condition: Serialize a new series.
Reward: 5,000 LP
He was on the verge of clearing the sixth Desire Quest.
*
Saturday, inside a café. Seo Joo-hwan, as usual, arrived early and waited for Choi Mi-hwa.
'Lucy, doesn't this quest reward feel a bit stingy?'
[It's low difficulty, Master. Why not aim for extra rewards?]
'What's the condition?'
[Sorry, Master. I can't tell you.]
'Hmph. Wasn't expecting much anyway.'
Desire Quests detected user Seo Joo-hwan's or those around him's desires, generating random quests of wildly varying difficulty. This sixth one was the easiest yet.
'Just gotta write what I want, anyway.'
Of course, there was the Choi Mi-hwa approval clause, but he wasn't worried. He trusted his vastly improved writing skills compared to when he started The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy.
'Plus, I consulted So-ra noona.'
Three calls already since they parted Monday. Jeong So-ra's consultation fee? Fun stories. If none handy, a song or poem recitation would do—but he still had plenty to share, so no pressure.
"Hello, Author-nim."
An intellectual beauty in round glasses approached. His editor, Choi Mi-hwa.
Seo Joo-hwan stood, bowing exaggeratedly. "Aigoo, why the formal talk all of a sudden, you foul-mouthed PD?"
"Hey, when did I ever curse?"
"Mi-hwa, you gained weight since last time?"
"You little shit. Gained what?!"
Choi Mi-hwa fired back instantly. Yeah, that's more like her.
Seo Joo-hwan chuckled, offering her a seat. "Kidding. You've lost a ton—looking even prettier."
"Hmph. Too late for flattery. I'm gonna rip it apart."
She snorted, sitting—but a faint smile betrayed her pleasure.
Let's see... Whoa, down 7kg.
Her stats from first meeting: 161cm, 53kg. Now 46kg. Her already career-woman vibe sharpened with her slimmer, V-lined face.
"Anyway, good to see you after so long. For a sec, I didn't recognize you—you're too skinny now."
"Pfft."
Choi Mi-hwa shot him a glare.
'Pot calling the kettle black.' She'd changed dramatically herself—what was she saying?
'Lost weight and turned ridiculously handsome.'
Even mid-greetings, Choi Mi-hwa snuck peeks at Seo Joo-hwan's face. Last time, he had some baby fat; now, chiseled lines and a sharp jawline gleamed beneath. Not just slimmer—taller, bulkier too. She'd wandered the café five minutes searching for him.
'Good thing I lost the weight.'
Not intentional, stress-induced from work, but now she was glad. They'd hooked up once. Months apart felt like reuniting with an ex, stirring her feminine pride.
"Yeah, that one's been fun lately."
"There's more. This management one had me hooked."
"Not web novels—recent mystery too..."
Choi Mi-hwa chatted animatedly with Seo Joo-hwan, laughing. As always, geeking out over shared tastes was a blast. He devoured books like her bookworm self. Conversation flowed endlessly.
But fun times are fleeting. They weren't here to swap recs.
She caught his sidelong glance, took a breath, and said, "Shall we get to it? I read what you gave me."
"Y-yeah. How was it?"
Seo Joo-hwan tensed, meeting her eyes. Her playful vibe flipped in an instant.
One of Choi Mi-hwa's talents popped into mind: Harsh Criticism (C/B+).
Gulp. He swallowed dryly.
"First off, rework the opening."
The feedback barrage began.
*
Choi Mi-hwa's Status Window talents: Insight (A/A+), Speed Reading (B+/A+), Communication (C+/B+), Harsh Criticism (C/B+). Specialized in spotting and nurturing raw gems. Indeed, she'd unearth unpolished authors, earning the future nickname "Headhunter." Her feedback cut deep.
"Doesn't fit web novel pacing. You can tweak it better—let's overhaul the start. I'll help; read and feedback as much as needed."
"Too heavy from the jump. Not saying don't write what you want, but hook readers lightly for that next-chapter clickbait."
"Targeting only vets? Explain terms. Wait, skipping for broader appeal? Sure, don't brick it with walls of text—but brief ones aid visualization."
Seriously dizzying critiques piled on. He'd poured evolved skill and even consulted an expert—how was it getting shredded like this?
'The others said it was fun!'
Pre-submission, Jeong Ha-yeon and friends raved: fun despite new genre, devoured it, more please. Some preferred The Possessed Master due to tastes, but... not this level of roast.
"Hm."
Choi Mi-hwa adjusted her sparkling silver-framed glasses, pausing. They felt icy today.
'This witch...!'
He wanted to yell, but every point rang true. He bit his tongue. Still stung, though—bitter taste lingered.
Sensing it, she wrapped up, smiling softly. "Don't take it all. Just my opinion—you're the writer."
"...Nah. I'll revise. Feels like I can make it better."
"Knew you could."
"It hurts so much..."
Pfft. "Want me to kiss it better?"
"Kiss?"
Her tone softened, smile warm. "Saw you want drama in a military backdrop."
"...Yeah."
"Smart choice. Flexible scale—from barracks to company, battalion, regiment, division. Leave expands settings naturally."
"Right. New recruits rotate in, old ones out with fresh backstories—keeps cast tight."
She pierced his intent instantly.
"And you consulted, right?"
"Yeah. Noona's active-duty officer."
"Noona...? Anyway, soldiers and officers feel three-dimensional. Terms skimpy, but characters pop with personality."
"Hmph. Some praise after all?"
"Thought I'd only bash?"
He chuckled at her playful jab. No way a pure critic would've risen so far. Her Communication matched her Harsh Criticism.
"Anyway, straight up: it's fun. Worried it was military schlock, but nope."
"Phew. Glad."
"Don't expect prior sales, though. Web novel tastes are picky—might scrape 200 monthly."
"Eh, whatever..."
He nodded casually. He'd have picked another genre if chasing cash. Nice if it popped, but expectations tempered.
But Choi Mi-hwa, who'd tempered them, thought differently.
'Not web-novel bait, but plenty fun. Suits my tastes more than the last...'
Even clueless her enjoyed it. Term gaps minor next to core fun.
'Polish for web novels, bit of luck... it'll hit.'
*
Post-chat, they left for dinner—exhausted and starving from yapping.
"Expensive only. Pricey and delicious."
"Why so fancy? You rich, Mi-hwa?"
"Company card. Boss said treat our star author well."
Three months, massive revenue—no wonder pricey meals were fine.
Over 400 chapters completed in three months. 7k+ average buys. Fast finish understated it—ongoing climbs meant 10k average easy.
They entered a swanky spot, snagging a private room. Food flowed amid unfinished talk.
"Boss loves your novel. Pushing webtoon hard—perfect timing."
"Grateful."
"Has to. 400+ chapters in three months? The cash... I'd greenlight too."
"Hah. Speedy serialization."
"Check this."
She showed phone sketches: bold lines, dynamic.
"Boss sourced this artist's portfolio. Art noob here, but... good, right? Martial arts vibe."
"Dunno art, but yeah. Fits wuxia."
"Likely her, unless issues. Prep takes ~year—maybe year-end launch if fast."
Webtoon chatter continued. Seo Joo-hwan thrilled at visuals of his words; Choi Mi-hwa gushed as fan.
Company card fueled pricey eats and drinks till late night.